Abstract

Bycatch poses a significant threat to elasmobranchs, affecting 99.6% of known species. Nevertheless, there is limited data available for most species and regions. Even when animals are released, bycatch often leads to delayed non-natural mortality. While commercial and recreational fishing is prohibited in certain regions, unintentional capture still occurs to varying degrees based on the fishing methods employed. The assessment of legal instruments for elasmobranch fisheries management and conservation adopted by the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) members reveals that bycatch is often overlooked. While some local regulations exist, they lack detailed measures. Furthermore, the majority of CRFM members (13 out of 17) lack National Plans of Action (NPOAs) for sharks and rays, although most adhere to the guidelines of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) (14 out of 17). These measures aim to reduce bycatch through specific strategies or call for future investigations. The RPOA also highlights the need for reporting bycatch, including species, quantities, and destination, in addition to the mandatory release of threatened species, neonates, and juveniles. Notably, the RPOA's distinction between releases and discards stands out as a crucial aspect of effective bycatch management. Despite having the majority of the CRFM members as signatories of the RPOA, there is insufficient data to evaluate their adherence and the effectiveness of the proposed measures. Adopting local measures, tailored to the specificities of each region, is also necessary. This is essential to alleviate the pressure exerted on Caribbean elasmobranchs, ensuring the overall health of local populations.